A federal appeals court affirmed the conviction of a Richmond-area MS-13 gang leader who ordered two teenagers to shoot one man as part of an initiation ritual and attack another.
Jose Armando Bran was convicted on five counts, including murder. His appeal focused on an aiding-and-abetting count. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that there was enough evidence to support the conviction.
A jury found Bran guilty of ordering the July 2011 shooting death of Osbin Noel Hernandez-Gonzales. Bran also was convicted of ordering the January 2012 maiming of Florentino Ayala, who was stabbed 15 times but survived. Bran was sentenced to life in prison.
The teens who carried out the attacks were sentenced to 34 years and 18 years in prison.
Appeals Court Affirms Va. Gang Leader's Conviction
Copyright AP - Associated Press
